Brand New
“Daisy”
4 stars out of 5

With their fanbase scrutinizing their every move, Brand New’s records tend to be analyzed like crime scene evidence and then abruptly cast off by those yearning for a return to the band’s pop-punk days. “Daisy” sounds like the final nail in the coffin of those dreams. It’s a moody, dissonant collection of post-hardcore and emo genres that sounds as if it was conceived with Modest Mouse records on repeat.

“She tried to put a fire out; she used gasoline,” sings lead singer Jesse Lacey in “Gasoline,” in a half-sung, half-screamed howl that becomes very familiar on “Daisy.” Lacey has been one to wear his lyrical heart on his sleeve ever since he was writing send-offs to cheating girlfriends, and his angst certainly hasn’t worn thin after the better part of a decade.

Key Tracks: “Sink,” “At the Bottom,” “Gasoline”
-Chris Payne

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Monsters of Folk
“Monsters of Folk”
3 out of 5

First things first, please, please, do not read “folk” and run. I’m fairly sure this album is excellent enough for even the biggest haters of all things folk to warm up to the genre and, at the very least, nod along with.

Second things second, this is a supergroup to end all folk supergroups. Indie heartthrob Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes fame called up former producer Mike Mogis, who called on over My Morning Jacket’s singer, Jim James, who may or may not have suggested they give a ring to soloist and second half of She & Him, M. Ward to complete the quartet. At least, I like to think that’s how it happened that these four folk giants came together to become monsters. (In reality, they started playing together backstage at shows while performing in their respective bands)

Somehow when you combine all of their folky goodness, you get this album, the definition of accessible folk, previously thought to be an oxymoron of a genre. With vocals being done by everyone but Mogis and that pedal steel guitar working it’s way into the credits of the liner notes more than once, Monsters of Folk have crafted the folk album for the everyday non-folk fan.

Key Tracks: “Whole Lotta Losin,” “Say Please”
-Melissa Virzi

fun.
“Aim and Ignite”
4 out of 5

Though Format broke up on the heels of their breakthrough record, “Dog Problems,” the spirit of the group seems to be alive and well.

Despite the band’s break, front man Nate Ruess’ aspirations of late ’60s revivalism are more alive then ever. Ruess’ new solo project, fun., is the logical extension of the loose ends left by his former band.

In “Aim and Ignite,” fun. embraces a “more is more” approach, caking on layers of guitar, strings, and horns to create a lush bed of sound — no holds barred, no vocal melody left untouched. Ruess is daring in power pop numbers such as “Benson Hedges” and “All the Pretty Girls,” while tracks like “I Wanna Be the One” often sound more like show tunes than indie — anything.

Key Tracks: “All the Pretty Girls,” “Benson Hedges”
-Chris Payne
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Simian Mobile Disco
“Temporary Pleasure”
2.5 out of 5

British producers/remixers James Ford and James Shaw decided to leave their experimental electronica group Simian when they realized what was lacking from their group — disco and mobility. Simian Mobile Disco was formed, releasing a critically acclaimed album in 2007, an awkward live album a year later, and finally, a proper sophomore release a few weeks ago.

The occasionally excessive dance beats in this record are reminiscent of awkward middle school dances in the gym, but underneath all of that synth there’s definitely some substance.

The indie guest spots on the album add the essential dance record flavor, with Yeasayers Chris Keating spitting lyrics about everything from James Joyce to pools full of Kool-Aid, and The Gossip’s Beth Ditto delivering one of the best performances on the record in “Cruel Intentions.”
Despite a handful of electronica instrumental tracks, SMD don’t limit themselves to disco and dance. “Turn Up the Dial” is testament to this, which features the group Young Fathers rapping over classic Simian beats.

Key Tracks: “Cruel Intentions,” “Turn Up the Dial”
-Melissa Virzi

This Wednesday Sept 16, between 6 and 9 PM, Randy Now’s Capital Garage has Bob Schmerser as guest host, but Bob will have a phone interview with, DENNY LAINE – from The Moody Blues who also spent nine years as guitarist for Paul McCartney’s WINGS band. 8 PM interview.

On Saturday evening, October 24 Mike Piazza will be hosting live, on stage:

Bobby Rydell
Emil Stucchio & The Classics
Peggy March
Lenny Welch

At the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA
Go to www.keswicktheatre.com for more information.